In Memoriam

Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Panama City, FL is handling his cremation. A celebration of his long and eventful life will be held at a later time. If you would like to share memories or photos of Buddy, click here.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions in his memory be made to the BUDDY DEFRANCO JAZZ FESTIVAL, University of Montana Foundation, Missoula, MT 59807 for the growth & continuation of Jazz education and the annual event he and Joyce have been closely associated with for the past 15 years.

Buddy Named Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts

Initiated in 1982, the NEA Jazz Master title is the nation's highest honor in this distinctively American art form. In addition to the coveted designation, Buddy DeFranco will receive a fellowship award of $25,000 and be invited to participate in outreach efforts, including broadcasts and NEA Jazz Masters On Tour.

The NEA Jazz Master Award is part of the NEA Jazz Masters Initiative and is sponsored by Verizon. Through its support of this initiative, Verizon continues its tradition of supporting quality musical entertainment and education across the country.

Buddy was recently honored by being elected into the American Jazz Hall of Fame - a joint venture of the New Jersey Jazz Society and Rutgers University's Institute of Jazz Studies. Established in 1983, the American Jazz Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of Jazz. Buddy joins 204 other members of the Hall of Fame, including many friends and colleagues such as: Art Blakey, Tommy Dorsey, Art Tatum, Shelly Manne, Milt Hinton, Charlie Parker, Norman Granz, Joe Williams, Terry Gibbs, and many more.

Purchase Buddy's New Biography Here!

A Life in the Golden Age of Jazz:
A Biography of Buddy DeFranco
By: Fabrice Zammarchi & Sylvie Mas

Parkside Publications presents the biography of Buddy DeFranco, who is generally regarded as the greatest jazz clarinetist of all time. Buddy’s life as a professional musician spans almost the entire history of jazz, from the early days of the Swing Era, through Bebop and up to the present day. French clarinetist Fabrice Zammarchi and his wife Syvie Mas tell Buddy’s complete story, based upon extensive interviews and thorough research. This may be the most comprehensive biography ever published about a jazz musician.